Is Mark Salter the author of novel ‘O?’

Mystery solved? A speechwriter for Sen. John McCain’s 2008 presidential election has been widely identified as the author of the controversial “O: A Presidential Novel.”

According to Time’s Mark Halperin, Mark Salter crafted the novel set during the presidential race of 2012 that’s caused a commotion in both the literary and political worlds since its release, The Today Show reports. Though the book is signed anonymously and Salter declines comment, widespread consensus accepts him as author.

Consensus doesn’t equal correctness, but so far Salter hasn’t denied that he wrote the book.

“O” ‘s editors describe the book as “truth only fiction can tell,” and promises “revealing and insightful portraits of many prominent figures in the political world — some invented and some real.” And it’s not hard to peg the book’s protagonist, O, as Obama.

Of course, speculation abounds as to who other characters in the novel represent. And who wouldn’t want to know, with characters like “The Barracuda”? She’s undoubtedly an intriguing character, with her “thick hair piled up high, chin out, defiant, taunting, flaunting that whole lusty librarian thing, sweet and savory, mother and predator, alluring and dangerous,” according to an excerpt from The Economist.

Could it be Sarah Palin, sometimes known as “Sarah-cuda?”

“O” has spent the last 25 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list. But despite its selling success, critics remain scornful of the book. With that in mind, I can’t help but think the author made the right choice in trying to remain anonymous.